German U21 loses bitter Euro U21 final after extra time
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
The German U21 national team lost the Euro U21 final against England in a dramatic match with a 2-3 score after extra time. Despite great morale and a strong comeback, the team coached by Antonio Di Salvo remained unlucky in the end. England had a better start from the beginning and took the lead through Harvey Elliott in the 5th minute. The German team became nervous, lost control early, and conceded the 0-2 goal by Omari Hutchinson in the 24th minute. Just before halftime, Nelson Weiper managed to shorten the gap to 1-2 with a header. After the break, the German U21 team picked up the pace again and created good chances. In the 61st minute, Paul Nebel equalized with a remarkable shot - 2-2. The match became more balanced, both teams played evenly, but the winning goal just wouldn't come for Germany. Shortly before extra time, Nebel tried again but hit the crossbar. In extra time, the shock came: substitute Jonathan Rowe scored the 2-3 goal for England in the 93rd minute. Germany kept fighting, had a great opportunity through Merlin Röhl, but once again, the crossbar saved the English. "Thanks to the team that fought until the end. Today, we lacked that bit of luck: a crossbar hit in the 90th minute and a crossbar hit in the 120th minute - the football gods were not on our side," said Di Salvo disappointedly afterwards. For Germany, it was the first defeat after 20 unbeaten games - and once again, the end against England in a Euro. The fourth U21 title remains out of reach for now.